iSEE's November TED Talk: Eco-Edition event was held on America Recycles Day, November 15, 2021! Nichole Millage (City of Champaign Environmental Sustainability Specialist) and Susan Monte (Champaign County Planner and Recycling Coordinator) led a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of recycling and our role in reducing waste and being part of the solution for solving our plastic pollution problem. The TED Talk by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, “Trash is Ruining Recycling” highlighted new innovations and a mindset pivot where we no longer fuel the supply and demand cycle of single-use and non-sustainable items. I encourage you all to share the TED Talk, the presentation (attached), and other information and resources with your colleagues, friends, and families. Continue the conversation and share ideas on our Facebook group, Waste Reduction @ Illinois!

There are no shortage of resources, documentaries, and information on our waste problem and potential solutions, and we applaud you for staying engaged and informed! Helping to keep the momentum going and spreading the word is a great place to start. Here are a few additional resources that were published this month:

• We Need to Talk About Our Demand Chain Crisis
• Plastic is the New Coal

As a reminder, the TED Talk: Eco-Edition series is a monthly event that is open to everyone. We hope to see you at our next event on Thursday, December 9 at 6 PM (sign up here!). Be sure to sign up for the iSEE Newsletter to stay up-to-date on campus and community sustainability initiatives, programs, events, and opportunities. Lastly, do you promise to always use the recycling bin? You should! Sign the pledge!

Please reach out with any questions, ideas, or feedback – we’d love to hear from you! Thanks again!